Vineland Greening Canada's Highway of Heroes

VINELAND STATION, Ontario, May 18, 2016 -- In collaboration with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland), the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute project is starting its first season of tree plantings. The team will use soil remediation procedures and a tree species selection tool developed by Vineland over the last three years.

"The planting will employ Vineland's latest research and protocols to guide our tree assessment process for planting along the transportation corridor," said Scott Bryk, Executive Director, the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute.

"Our research demonstrates that roadside soils are too compact to support tree establishment and not all species are suitable for this type of environment. Each tree planted represents the life of a fallen solider, therefore tree survival is paramount. I'm excited that our research will help to ensure the success of this project," said Dr. Darby McGrath, Research Scientist, Nursery & Landscape, Vineland.

After performing an analysis of highway and city soils, Vineland developed a predictive modelling tool to determine the proper remediation required to reduce soil compaction for improved tree survival. The tool offers site-specific information on soil preparation and generates a list of recommended tree species based on criteria including site characteristics, environmental conditions and projected site maintenance.

In 2007, a 170-kilometre portion of the highway stretching from CFB Trenton to the Don Valley Parkway (and later Keele Street) in Toronto was designated the Highway of Heroes, reflecting its use as the route for funeral convoys carrying fallen Canadian Forces service men and women from CFB Trenton to the coroner's office in Toronto. The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute project involves a multi-year tree planting campaign. This year's first highway planting will take place May 21 at the start of the Highway of Heroes, at the north-east corner of Glenn Miller Road and the 401, in Trenton. For more information, please visit http://tinyurl.com/zoacmgt

About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

With a highly-skilled research team, oversight from an independent Board of Directors, engagement from an international Science Advisory Committee and collaboration with more than 160 global partners including a Stakeholder Advisory Committee, Vineland's goal is to enhance Canadian growers' commercial success through results-oriented innovation. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization funded in part by Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. For the latest on our research and partnerships, visit vinelandresearch.com

About the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute

The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute project is planting 117,000 trees, one tree for every fallen Canadian soldier since Confederation, creating a living, breathing memorial along the 401 between CFB Trenton and Toronto. This five year undertaking connects all communities in a year round act of remembrance and environmental sustainability. 100% of all donated funds are used to purchase, plant and maintain trees. The project works with founding partners Landscape Ontario, Maple Leaves Forever, and The Garden Club of Toronto. Visit HOHTribute.ca to learn more.

For more information, please contact:
Cheryl Lennox, Director, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
905-984-0053